Bing Finds Private And Public Funds To Keep Rec Centers Open

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing announced Wednesday how the Detroit will keep the city's 17 recreation centers open by funding programs through a newly created Detroit Recreation Trust.

The trust has secured pledges of $15 million to date from public and private sources.

"We don't have the funding to maintain the programs at our recreation centers and we need help," Bing said.

As the city tries to work its way out of its financial crisis, it has cut the Recreation Department budget 43% from $18 million to $10 million. Bing said that during the past year he has contacted various foundations and nonprofits for help in raising $24 million to fund three years of programming.